Nuclear Gauge testing Questions and Answers 2024/2025
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Course
Nuclear Gauge
Institution
Nuclear Gauge
How do nuclear gauges work? Why does so much care need to be taken when using them?
Nuclear gauges use the interaction of radiation with matter to measure the density
and moisture of material. Radiation sources within each gauge transmit radiation
through the test material. Detectors conta...
Nuclear Gauge testing Questions and
Answers 2024/2025
How do nuclear gauges work? Why does so much care need to be taken when using them?
Nuclear gauges use the interaction of radiation with matter to measure the density
and moisture of material. Radiation sources within each gauge transmit radiation
through the test material. Detectors contained in the gauge measure the radiation that
is scattered by the test material or that passes through it. By calculating the
percentage of radiation that reaches the detectors, the gauge can determine the
density or moisture content of test material.
Introduction to Nuclear Gauge Sources
-radioactive source within the gauge is what makes the gauge work
-source rod extends through the base of the gauge into a predrilled hole up to 12 in.
-Gamma rays are transmitted from the density source->through the test material-
>counted by detectors located within the gauge. Average density between the source
and detectors is determined.
-radioactive source itself is smaller than even a penny
-Americium, Californium, and Cobalt allow us to measure density and moisture using a
nuclear gauge.
Elements
-The smallest particles of matter are called atoms. All substances are made up of a
limited number of different kinds of atoms
-The radioactive sources in nuclear gauges are made up of elements too. These elements
include: Cesium, Americium, Californium, and Cobalt.
nucleus
contsists of both neutrons and protons. The bulk of the atomic mass is within the nucleus
negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus. the Neg charge of the electrons
balances the positive charge of the protons but add very little mass to the atom.
Neutron
neutral partlces that cluster with protons in nucleus. Provide mass and act as a "nuclear
glue".
Proton
positively charged partilces that cluster with neutrons to make up the nucleus.
Isotope
-Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons
-The radioactive sources in nuclear gauges are made up of elements too. These elements
include: Cesium, Americium, Californium, and Cobalt.
-Atomic # doesn't change
-Atomic mass changes
-An isotope is identified by writing the chemical symbol with a subscript to the left giving the
atomic number and a superscript giving the atomic mass number.
-Some isotopes are stable, like Carbon 12. Other isotopes are unstable or radioactive, like
Carbon 14.
-For an isotope to be stable, the neutron/proton ratio must lie within a relatively narrow
range. For example, Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons and 6 protons in the nucleus , making it a
stable isotope.
-As the number of neutrons increases relative to the number of protons, an isotope is more
likely to be unstable or radioactive. Carbon 14, which has 8 neutrons and 6 protons in the
nucleus, is unstable because the ratio of neutrons to protons is too high. This form of Carbon
has a familiar use: Carbon -14 dating of old organic materials.
Radioactivity
-the property of certain isotopes to undergo spontaneous decay which transforms the
nucleus to achieve stability.
- When an atom decays the nucleus undergoes changes which alter the ratio of neutrons and
protons and result in the emission of radiation
Radiation
emitted during the decay of radioactive material in the form of subatomic particles
and/or electromagnetic radiation.
Particle radiation
consists of high speed subatomic particles which have mass and energy. Apha, beta,
and neutron are types of particle radiation.
electromagnetic radiation
consists of bundles of pure energy, called photons, which have no mass. Gamma rays
are a type of elemctromagnetic radiation.
Alpha radiation
-Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, or the nucleus of a Helium
atom.
-Alpha particles result from the decay of heavy nuclei with more than 82 protons. Because of
their large mass (atomic weight of 4) and strong electrical charge (+2 from the two protons),
alpha particles travel only a short distance in matter before losing their energy and coming to
-Within the nuclear gauge, the encapsulation of the radioactive material stops all alpha
radiation
alpha particle penetration
-These particles are virtually harmless as an external source of radiation, because
they lose energy quickly as they travel a short distance in biologic matter (superficial
layer of skin).
-With internal sources the reverse is true, if emitted internally they can be very damaging to
tissue.
-can be stopped by a single sheet of ordinary paper
Beta radiation
-Beta radiation is a high-energy electron ejected from the nucleus of an atom as a
neutron breaks down into the electron and a proton. The beta particle has a tiny mass
and an electrical charge of -1. Beta particles travel only a short distance in solids
before they are absorbed.
-While alpha particle penetration is stopped by a single sheet of paper, a 1/16 inch thick
sheet of aluminum will stop most beta particles.
beta penetration
Within the nuclear gauge, the encapsulation of the radioactive material prevents
alpha and beta radiation from escaping and being a hazard.
Gamma Radiatio
-Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, much like x-rays, radio waves,
and visible light.
-Gamma rays have no mass, no electrical charge, and travel at the speed of light.
-Gamma rays, however, are much more energetic and penetrating than visible light.
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